I think the biggest photo challenge for me is to get IN FRONT of the camera. I asked Nick to take photos of me once. ONCE. Why not more? Because he literally stood up, held the shutter button down (before I was ready) and then declared, "Ok, I took some." For all of you blogging ladies out there who have a photo-happy hubby, congrats! You're lucky ladies and I am severely jealous ;) Since I am a little handicapped in that department, I've resorted to the ol' Self Portrait technique. It starts out a little weird. You feel silly and you find yourself posing in the most awkward of ways, but it gets easier and more natural over time. You just have to shake off the feeling of being self absorbed - because these aren't just duck-faced selfies we're talking about here (not that there is anything wrong with those... I'm guilty of them too!).So I challenge you to pick up your camera and give it a whirl. I'm pretty confident you won't be disappointed. And if I can't convince you, then go on over to A Beautiful Mess because they just started a 30-day Self Portrait challenge and it's gonna be fun!

Helpful Equipment

1. I use a Canon Rebel T3i and LOVE the fact that the screen swivels out. This is super helpful for self portraits because I can aim the screen at myself to make sure I'm lined up in the shot. If you don't have a swivel lens, it's still possible to get good shots! It just might take a little more trial and error to figure out where you have to stand/pose.2. There is a slew of tripods out there for sale. Some are cheap and some are crazy expensive. Try to find something in the middle because you get what you pay for. The cheap-o depot ones will likely start falling apart and getting loose joints after a few uses.... and that is no bueno!3. Same theory goes for the remote: don't spend over your budget but don't grab the cheapest one. Most DSLR cameras are equipped to work with a remote control (just Google your model to see what remotes are compatible). You have the choice of wired or wireless but I find the latter to be best for self portraits because they're easier to hide and give you more range for where you can stand. I recommend remotes with two parts: the actual remote and then a sensor that plugs into your camera. These are more reliable and, again, give you more range of motion because you can step farther away from your camera if needed.

It's Important to Remember:

The key is just getting some shots that are IN FOCUS. Because you can always go back and edit your photos. If you don't know where to start, then check out my post on basic editing with PicMonkey.Here's an example of a photo I took right after Vivienne was born (let's pretend that the I-just-had-a-baby belly wasn't spewing out from below my shirt). I laid some pillows on our living room floor, covered them with my bed spread, and then sat down with Viv below the tripod. I was short on time, short on help, and high on hormones. It was definitely a challenge (and she may have peed twice all over my bedding) but I got a shot that I LOOOOOOVE. So in the end, it was totally worth it!

My Favorite Example:

I didn't have an accurate record of my pregnancy with Caden, so I decided to change that when I got pregnant with Vivienne. I had one grey dress, an Ikea curtain backdrop, and a lot of determination to capture my growing belly. Lots of hard work to get myself ready and shoot each week, but this is definitely my favorite photo project to date! (Click on a photo below to read more about each stage of pregnancy - the farther along I was, the more details I seemed to give)**And in case you're wondering, I would edit out the remote if it could be seen in the photo but that hand-on-hip pose was great because the remote would be on my back so I could press the button. OR sometimes I would put the remote on the ground and press the button with my toe (is that weird?!)

So, will you join me in the 30-day self portrait challenge? I'll be posting throughout the next month on Instagram @vlentine

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So I glad found you through Andee's pin on Pinterest. I have a Canon Rebel t4i and since I am the only one who knows how to use the camera - I often get left out of them! This will be super helpful when I have a kiddo one day!

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Vanessa @ Love This Crazy Life

7/18/2013 07:49:43 am

I'm glad you found me too! Love Andee's blog and her style :)
I have the same problem with other people using my camera - the photos always seem to be out of focus. Had to take matters into my own hands haha!

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Kara Kieran

7/18/2013 07:40:25 am

That dress looks amazingly comfortable! Thanks for all the great tips!

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Vanessa @ Love This Crazy Life

7/18/2013 07:51:20 am

Thanks Kara! The dress was from Express and I actually saw it there the past two winter seasons. Great price and really versatile!

I'll have to share this with my pregnant friends!! Hopefully they will like the idea of taking pics every week. Looking beautiful in all of them with your growing belly!

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Vanessa @ Love This Crazy Life

7/18/2013 12:33:11 pm

Thanks Barbara!!

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Erika

7/18/2013 02:38:28 pm

Omg I was reading the beginning of this and thought I wrote it. I'm 6 nos pregnant and the only cute snaps are on my phone..WITH my phone in it..ew!! My husband took 3 photos and was bored after 3x of me saying do it again lol!! I'm so glad I came across this..simple but genius!!!! Thank yooou! Btw where did you get your tripod and what brand/type is it? Thanks again!

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Vanessa @ Love This Crazy Life

7/21/2013 02:10:38 pm

You've gotta try out some self-timer or remote control shots - such fun memories to have after pregnancy :)
And I like to order all of my photography accessories on Amazon because they have a great return policy and you can usually get free Super Saver shipping. I have a Canon 300 tripod (runs about $40 and is well made!)

Vanessa thanks for visiting my blog so I can find you. I'm your new bloglovin follower :) i can't wait to see all your amazing photos for the 30day challenge. You're so photogenic :) I wouldn't know that you actually took the photos yourself (for the pregnancy pics & the one with your bub).. I really thought they were done by a pro :) so well done!

Found you through the mom-lovin' hop!! Seriously love your blog! I would love to get a new camera. Right now I'm just using my iPhone and I don't have a hubby that just loves to take pictures for me either...how can we change that? ;) I ended up downloading a camera timer app on my iPhone, but its still a bit tricky to take good photos like the one of you and Viv laying on the floor!

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Vanessa @ Love This Crazy Life

7/21/2013 02:16:06 pm

I think we all need to band together and figure out how to make our hubby's into photographers... there has to be a way! :)
I have trouble with my iPhone too. Some people get such great shots but my lens is all scratched so mine just turn out silly :(
If you want to look into upgrading to a DSLR, you should check used camera stores. They usually have great deals on certified used equipment. Great way to upgrade without breaking the bank. Good luck!

I love this post!! I have been wanting to get a remote for my camera and this just gave me the push to do it! Especially for my next pregnancy! :)

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Hi, I'm Vanessa! Love This Crazy Life is about seeing the beauty in a fast-paced environment. I share daily inspirations, DIY projects, and all things family. I believe that every stage of life is worth loving, no matter how crazy it can seem.